The Long-Term Impact of Early-Life Cigarette Taxes on Adult Pre-Pregnancy and Prenatal Smoking

Abstract

This study examines the long-term link between early-life cigarette taxes and adult smoking behavior. Using U.S. birth certificate records over 2009-2019, we explore the intergenerational behavioral effects of higher in-utero cigarette taxes. We find that the mother's exposure to higher in-utero cigarette taxes (over 1965-2000) reduces contemporary adult smoking behavior, both pre-pregnancy and prenatally. Exposure to higher in-utero cigarette taxes also impacts adult human capital, adult health and has multi-generational consequences for infant health. Furthermore, the long-term effect is present even when controlling for various contemporary tobacco control policies and confounding early-life policies. Our findings suggest that early-life exposure to state-level policies discouraging smoking can shape health behaviors over the long run.